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Target set on dog owners not cleaning up after their pets

A RECORD number of dog owners have been fined for failing to clean up after their pets.

In the past 10 months, the number of people issued with fines in Glasgow has almost doubled.

Clean Glasgow's ongoing campaign to force irresponsible dog owners to clean up their act has resulted in 1398 fixed penalty notices issued since April last year - almost double the 760 fines handed out in the previous year.

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The anti-dog fouling campaign has received overwhelming public support.

Last year, 1298 calls were made to the Clean Glasgow hotline about problems with dog dirt.

Enforcement officers from Community Safety Glasgow - the city council's partner in Clean Glasgow - monitor neighbourhoods to spot anyone failing to clean up after their dog.

Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson, who is chairman of the Clean Glasgow Campaign, said: "We have run a sustained campaign against dog fouling which has taken in both education and enforcement.

"We have aimed to change people's habits by making it clear irresponsible behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. People hate dog fouling. It has a very negative impact on how they view their city, their street or even their own close.

"The majority of dog owners are respectful of other people and pick up after their pets but those that don't must face the consequences.

"For some reason, a minority of people think this behaviour is perfectly acceptable. Even worse, they think they will never be caught.

"I want to turn that on its head. We are targeting dog fouling with real conviction using intense resources such as enforcement officers, CCTV and direct communication with local residents."

Mr Matheson added: "It is dirty, dangerous and antisocial. It is also completely unnecessary and through the clean Glasgow campaign, I can assure you we cannot and will not tolerate it."

Fines for dog fouling start at £40 and rise to £60 if unpaid within 28 days.

Dog owners who do not pick up after their pets can be reported on the Clean Glasgow hotline: 0800 027 7027.

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